Fluval Sea Mini Protein Skimmer????

[akaps]

I got a protein skimmer as I had an oily looking film at the top of my aquarium even when doing weekly 2-3 gallon water changes. I’ve had it set up since Saturday morning. It’s the Fluval sea mini protein skimmer in a 13.5 gallon tank. I genuinely am so confused, I had no clue this was complicated. Or maybe it’s not and I am overthinking this… idk. I’ve tried watching videos and googling but I just ended up more lost. Please help!!!
1) Does this look correct? Should these bubbles be closer to the bottom of this little center container? (See attached images)
2) How often do you recommend emptying this brown water, when it is full or sooner?
3) anything else you think I should know

 

[akaps]

After posting this I am unable to open the video. Let me know if you guys can or not. I’ll retake it

 

[Fish Fan]

I don't see a video, I just see a single pic of the skimmer cup.

For that film on your surface, try pointing your return line up to break up the surface of the water. This adds oxygen to your system, and should get rid of the sludge.

I don't have that skimmer, but generally they need some break in time, and need to be fine tuned. I'm sure others here that have that skimmer can help more.

Empty your skimmer cup whenever it's full, it's just waste, but ideally you're not looking for "brown water". That brown water means your skimmer isn't really skimmer. You're really looking for a brown/white foam that bubbles up and into the skimmer cup. Again, that may just take some time to form with your skimmer, or you may need to fine tune the amount of air or waterflow going through the skimmer.

Good luck!

 

[akaps]

I don't see a video, I just see a single pic of the skimmer cup.

For that film on your surface, try pointing your return line up to break up the surface of the water. This adds oxygen to your system, and should get rid of the sludge.

I don't have that skimmer, but generally they need some break in time, and need to be fine tuned. I'm sure others here that have that skimmer can help more.

Empty your skimmer cup whenever it's full, it's just waste, but ideally you're not looking for "brown water". That brown water means your skimmer isn't really skimmer. You're really looking for a brown/white foam that bubbles up and into the skimmer cup. Again, that may just take some time to form with your skimmer, or you may need to fine tune the amount of air or waterflow going through the skimmer.

Good luck!

I have also pointed my nozzles to created more air flow at the top thank u! I think there should be a video attached here… along with a pic of my water level. Idk how to fine tune this thing. I have messed a little with the nozzles but am really not sure how much air and how much water to let in or what that will change.

 

[Fish Fan]

So one other thing I should have mentioned, is that your tank looks quite new. If you're still doing your initial cycle, you don't want to run a skimmer at that time.

If you're past your cycle, but your tank is still quite new and "clean", there may not be enough organics in your system for the skimmer to skim anything out.

Keep in mind that a skimmer is not a necessity, many tanks run just fine without one. A skimmer is just another tool to help keep your nitrates low. Have you been measuring your nitrates and do you feel that they are high, and is that why you want a skimmer?

In a small tank like yours, just doing large (almost 100%) water changes may be all that you need. As your tank matures and you have more livestock, then the skimmer may become more necessary if water changes can't keep up.

I'm not telling you NOT to use your skimmer, just know that it has to have something in the water to pull out, and if you're not seeing high nitrates in the first place, then you don't *need* a skimmer at all.

I hope that helps! I know others will be by soon enough with more advice and likely someone who has your skimmer too!

 

[akaps]

So one other thing I should have mentioned, is that your tank looks quite new. If you're still doing your initial cycle, you don't want to run a skimmer at that time.

If you're past your cycle, but your tank is still quite new and "clean", there may not be enough organics in your system for the skimmer to skim anything out.

Keep in mind that a skimmer is not a necessity, many tanks run just fine without one. A skimmer is just another tool to help keep your nitrates low. Have you been measuring your nitrates and do you feel that they are high, and is that why you want a skimmer?

In a small tank like yours, just doing large (almost 100%) water changes may be all that you need. As your tank matures and you have more livestock, then the skimmer may become more necessary if water changes can't keep up.

I'm not telling you NOT to use your skimmer, just know that it has to have something in the water to pull out, and if you're not seeing high nitrates in the first place, then you don't *need* a skimmer at all.

I hope that helps! I know others will be by soon enough with more advice and likely someone who has your skimmer too!

My tank is fully cycled and I have 4 fish, shrimp, and some snails. My first fish and shrimp was introduced in September and my most recent fish just a week ago. Some eat a lot, some are picky. The snails poop a lot. So there’s definitely a combo of waste and leftover food for it to collect.
I wanted a skimmer bcuz I noticed the oily film that did not go away after adjusting the nozzles to create more air flow at the top, it was recommended to me by my local aquarium shop. I’m just concerned I’m not using it correctly as I’ve not found much assistance from videos or Google. Hoping to get some tips here on how to know if it’s working or not. I have also heard it needs to break in, I’ll update again in a week or two if I still am unsure.

 

[Fish Fan]

My tank is fully cycled and I have 4 fish, shrimp, and some snails. My first fish and shrimp was introduced in September and my most recent fish just a week ago. Some eat a lot, some are picky. The snails poop a lot. So there’s definitely a combo of waste and leftover food for it to collect.
I wanted a skimmer bcuz I noticed the oily film that did not go away after adjusting the nozzles to create more air flow at the top, it was recommended to me by my local aquarium shop. I’m just concerned I’m not using it correctly as I’ve not found much assistance from videos or Google. Hoping to get some tips here on how to know if it’s working or not. I have also heard it needs to break in, I’ll update again in a week or two if I still am unsure.

Yeah, you probably have enough in your tank that you should be getting some skimmate. Again, I'm sure someone who has your skimmer will be able to offer more direct help.

Maybe this will give some insight?

 

[gbroadbridge]

I got a protein skimmer as I had an oily looking film at the top of my aquarium even when doing weekly 2-3 gallon water changes. I’ve had it set up since Saturday morning. It’s the Fluval sea mini protein skimmer in a 13.5 gallon tank. I genuinely am so confused, I had no clue this was complicated. Or maybe it’s not and I am overthinking this… idk. I’ve tried watching videos and googling but I just ended up more lost. Please help!!!
1) Does this look correct? Should these bubbles be closer to the bottom of this little center container? (See attached images)
2) How often do you recommend emptying this brown water, when it is full or sooner?
3) anything else you think I should know

You're looking for this ...



If you remove the cup, the level should be below the cup.

 

[benfish65]

That little black sponge by the knob needs to be clean. If that gets gunked up it will mess with tuning.

This is how I set mine up from clean.

Close the air valve to the blue hose that goes on the cup lid.
Install the cup and lid on the skimmer.
Adjust the height of the water with the black knob until it is just starting to come up the inside portion of the cup.
Slowly open the air valve until you hear or see bubbles.
Leave it run there for 30 minutes or so.
Adjust the air valve to fine tune it. Open it more will allow more bubbles and it will raise the water filling up the cup quicker. Closing it will do the opposite.

If you are having issues with it not responding to any adjustments and that little black sponge is clean, that entire unit comes apart for cleaning. Clean everything with an old toothbrush and then reassemble and put it back and set it up. I do this about once a month.